Begin with the requesting organization
The fact that a document is important does not, by itself, identify the service it needs. Read the application checklist or ask the receiving organization which act and certificate wording it requires. Keep its instructions with the document when you contact the office.
Identify the requested act
- Witnessed signature: the signer completes the requested signing process before the appropriate witness.
- Affidavit or declaration: a person swears, affirms or declares the truth of the statement before an authorized person.
- Certified true copy: a copy is compared with the complete original and certified as requested.
- Apostille or legalization: a separate process for certain documents intended for use abroad.
These descriptions help you ask the right question; they do not make the services interchangeable. A recipient may prescribe a form and limit who can complete its certification.
Questions to resolve before booking
Ask whether the recipient needs an original or copy, whether every signer must attend, whether remote commissioning is acceptable and whether a translation is required. If the document will go overseas, confirm the destination’s authentication route before arranging a signature.
Prepare the document
Bring the complete form and attachments, government-issued photo identification and the written instructions. Leave witnessed signatures and official certification sections blank until directed. For certified copies, Notaryspace requires an in-person appointment and the complete original.
Choose your next step
Read Ontario’s notary information, browse our services or contact the office with the request you received. A notarization appointment does not replace advice about the terms of an agreement or determine whether an application meets its program requirements.